was a grommet on each corner to secure it to the stanchions and then a velcro flap across the top for the lifeline (these can be segmented sections of velcro). A few velcro flaps along your lower life line are a good idea as well to keep the cloth from billowing etc. I have never cared for the lace on type as should you be hit with serious beam sea it will often bend the stantions before the Sunbrella tears - also they are a pain to put on and take off. In that vein we also use "break away" ties of light line from stantion to grommet at the bottom. Being small boat cruisers these lea cloths can be a godsend in rough conditions, we have had them on all our boats and wouldn't leave home without them.